Essential Tips for Visiting the U.K. This Summer

London—much like New York City, Paris, and Tokyo—constantly buzzes with fresh happenings and headline-worthy events. However, 2023 is shaping up to be particularly remarkable for the entire United Kingdom, with significant events slated for next month across cities like London, Manchester, and Liverpool. Here’s what you need to know before you set your sights on the U.K. this summer.

A royal affair . . .

Even if witnessing the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty the Queen Consort isn’t at the top of your list, make sure to mark the coronation weekend for your travel plans. The ceremony on May 6 will kick off with a 1.3-mile procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, where the official coronation will occur at 11 a.m., followed by a return journey for the traditional balcony wave. King Charles III has requested a more understated ceremony, according to the Associated Press, resulting in a shorter procession compared to his mother’s 5.5-mile route in 1953; this year's path will pass by Admiralty Arch, Trafalgar Square, and the Houses of Parliament. A Coronation Concert, broadcast on BBC, will be held on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle on May 7.

The London Tube will continue to operate as usual, though expect some street closures and altered bus routes. Transport for London advises allowing extra time for all your journeys from May 5 to 8.

Unsurprisingly, some businesses are embracing the coronation theme. One Aldwych, a luxurious hotel in Covent Garden renowned for its family-friendly offerings (including a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea), features a Royal Jewels and Iconic Sights experience available until September 30. This package includes a Thames boat ride and a private viewing of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, complemented by a two-night stay in a beautifully renovated luxury suite. For an even closer experience, consider the Guardsman, a five-star boutique hotel perfectly located between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, offering its own “New Guard” package.

Recommended accommodations: One Aldwych; the Guardsman

Eurovision finals set for Liverpool

My familiarity with Eurovision is primarily through the Netflix comedy featuring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams, but I’m determined to dive deeper this year by following the finals, held in the UNESCO City of Music, Liverpool, from May 9–13. The Eurovision Song Contest, which dates back to the late 1950s, was created to unite Europe through a live, simultaneous, transnational broadcast—one of the earliest television spectacles. According to Eurovision lore, the inaugural contest featured seven competing nations: the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg, and Italy. “Austria and Denmark expressed interest but missed the entry deadline, while the United Kingdom sent their regrets as they were occupied with their own event that year.” This year, there are no declined invitations: Liverpool will host on behalf of last year’s winner, Ukraine, with a Eurovision Village set up at Pier Head along the waterfront. While general tickets are sold out, hospitality suites and various events at the Village are still available.

Recommended accommodation: Pullman Liverpool

Manchester beckons

This year, I was particularly drawn to Manchester's vibrant art scene, especially after discovering the lineup for this summer's Manchester International Festival (June 29–July 16). This festival features innovative new works and includes a three-day residency by Janelle Monáe (June 30–July 2) along with the city's largest-ever Yayoi Kusama exhibit, You, Me and the Balloons. I can’t help but dream of hopping from this festival to the Edinburgh Fringe in August for the ultimate U.K. art adventure. And yes, I’m more than willing to pay the effective-April-1 tourist tax for a night’s stay in Manchester (£1) for this experience.

Also launching in time for the festival is Factory International, a sprawling 140,000-square-foot venue dedicated to the biannual MIF event and ongoing programming, including theater, dance, music, performance art, and visual art studios. Years in development, this space is a masterpiece in its own right, designed by Ellen van Loon of the Rem Koolhaas–founded Office for Metropolitan Architecture.

Where to stay

World cycling championships come to Scotland

For 11 days this August, it might feel like everyone in Scotland is pedaling away: The UCI Cycling World Championships (Aug 3-13) kicks off in Glasgow with grand spectacle. Events will include track cycling, indoor races, para-cycling, and BMX competitions in Glasgow arenas, along with mountain biking in Glentress Forest and road racing extending to Stirling and across the Highlands. Over 2,600 athletes will vie for world titles—if watching these cycling stars doesn't motivate you to jump on a bike, I’m not sure what will.

Recommended accommodation: Virgin Hotel Glasgow

Expanded hotel options and new direct flights

British Airways has introduced daily nonstop flights from London Heathrow to Portland, Oregon (PDX), along with a new direct service between Heathrow and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport on Boeing 787 Dreamliners, as highlighted by Barbara Peterson in her roundup of new international flight routes we’re thrilled about this year. Virgin Atlantic will establish connections between London and Austin as well as Tampa; Delta will offer daily direct flights from Atlanta to Edinburgh starting in May; United will operate twice-daily flights from Newark to Edinburgh; and Manchester will now feature direct routes to New York–JFK, Orlando, Houston, and Atlanta.

In London, a remarkable hotel surge is underway: The launch of Raffles London at the OWO is the most significant highlight, but we're also excited about the new Mandarin Oriental in Mayfair, St. Regis London, Peninsula London, Park Hyatt London River Thames, and 1 Hotel Mayfair, marking the arrival of the first sustainable hotel brand in the U.K. Stay tuned for more as we compile a list of the top hotels in London at this moment.

This article was first published on April 13 and has since been refreshed with updated details.